Category Archives: cd

The Boat People “Dear Darkly” – Album Review

Review: Victoria Nugent


Dear
– Dear Darkly – The Boat People		   It’s hard to decide where to start praising The Boat People’s new album, “Dear Darkly”. The well established Brisbane four-piece has produced an album fluent in the art of quirky pop, a nicely eclectic mix of songs.

The album kicks off with the extremely enjoyable “Under the Ocean” with plenty of “ooohs” and floaty-sounding vocals, coupled with some skilled guitar riffs. “Soporific” is one of the album’s most memorable songs with a great beat, tempo shifts and best of all, clever lyrics. I love the song’s use of intellectual sounding words to a catchy tune. “Boy you’re soporific, but is that your fault or mine? Things they used to be terrific, but now they’re barely anodyne.”

“Echo Stick Guitars” is an amazingly catchy track that starts out with synthesiser and almost robotic sounding high vocals which become loud and chanty for the chorus. The song switches tempo back and forth, showcasing a sound which can only be described as unique. Sure, the lyrics mightn’t always make sense (“Hey champions, hey violins, hey echo stick guitars”) but this shouty pop song had me singing along for the chorus.

“Antidote” is somewhat reminiscent of a Kisschasy love song with its subtle vocals and rolling drums. “Live in The Dark” has a somewhat bold psychedelic sound that’s as complex as it is likeable. “Too Much In My Mind” is an upbeat number with a catchy rhythm, some cutesy synth and fun lyrics about the downside of being too introspective. “Hidden Buses” takes a softer accoustic tone, complete with husky vocals.

Closing out the album, at six minutes long, “You Are Adored” is a musically diverse, romantic (albeit slightly long-winded) ditty that made my heart melt a little bit.

“Dear Darkly” is a fantastic showcase of The Boat People’s scope for diverse, unconventional pop. From the sounds of this album, this band isn’t afraid from playing around with sounds and genres, and that is definitely a good thing.

Dear – Dear Darkly – The Boat People

Related:
Photo Gallery: The Boat People, Ball Park Music, Disco Nap @ The Troubadour, Brisbane – March 2010
CD Review: The Boat People – Echo Stick Guitars
CD Review: The Boat People – Soporific Single

cd, cd review, Music, Review

Amanda Palmer Performs the Popular Hits of Radiohead on her Magical Ukulele


Amanda – Amanda Palmer		   “Amanda Palmer Performs the Popular Hits of Radiohead on her Magical Ukulele” 2.0 is on sale via
Bandcamp.

On July 20th, Amanda Palmer and her business collective – Sean Francis, Beth Hommel, and Hayley Rosenblum (lovingly dubbed “Team Chaos”) – released “Amanda Palmer Performs the Popular Hits of Radiohead on her Magical Ukulele” via Bandcamp to remarkable success. This was Palmer’s first experimental digital-and-vinyl only release independent of a record label, and strong proof that Palmer’s vision of “moving towards a patronage society” is indeed a workable – and profitable – solution for unsigned mid-level bands.

Available for a minimum donation of 84 cents (to cover Radiohead’s royalties and PayPal fees), the EP sold more than $15,000 worth in downloads and merchandise in under three minutes, but it didn’t stop there. Several different “bundle options” (including 450+ vinyl/t-shirt/button bundles, 100 packages that included hand-painted ukuleles, a one-on-one call with Amanda and more) and one thousand limited-edition vinyl LPs were sold out in under 24 hours. Less than a week later, all but one of the highest-end packages are gone.

The demand for vinyl is far more than the team expected & Palmer will be pressing another 1,000 copies – this time on transparent orange vinyl (the first edition of 1,000 were red). When those sell out, Palmer will field the fans’ demand and print another thousand on yellow, then green, going through the colors of the rainbow until they retire the project with a standard black release. The team will also, due to demand, unveil a new collection of bundles (including a new t-shirt design created by a fan, as well as digital download of a new music video of “No Surprises”, live performance footage, and more). In true DIY fashion, should a fan wish to add one of these new items to their pre-existing first-run-orders, Palmer’s team will be facilitating this personally via her message board, Twitter, and e-mail.

“Amanda Palmer Performs the Popular Hits of Radiohead on her Magical Ukulele” 2.0 is on sale via Bandcamp.
Amanda Palmer news & updates Twitter profile, @AFPwire.

<a href="http://music.amandapalmer.net/album/amanda-palmer-performs-the-popular-hits-of-radiohead-on-her-magical-ukulele">Fake Plastic Trees by Amanda Palmer</a>

Advertisement

Buy Amanda Palmer CD, Vinyl and books here…

Amanda – Amanda Palmer

Related:

Tour News: Amanda Palmer returns to Australia in 2010
Amanda Palmer @ The Tivoli, 1 March 2009 : Photo Gallery
Who Killed Amanda Palmer? An Interview with the Queen of Punk Cabaret
Amanda Palmer – Returning To The Scene Of The Crime In ‘09

cd, fact, Music, Quick Bits

Darren Hanlon “I Will Love You At All” – Album Review

Review: Natalie Salvo
Darren Hanlon, the musical raconteur from Gympie is back with his fourth studio album, “I Will Love You At All”. For this record, this citizen of the world wrote his songs in many exciting locations from Paris to Coonabarabran (it’s in NSW people, look it up!)

At it’s essence we’re taken on a journey with a wistful and heartfelt traveler via ten songs full of gentle longing, aching reminiscence and nostalgia. Produced by Adam Selzer (M Ward, She & Him, The Decemberists), it features musical assistance from Rachel Blumberg (Bright Eyes, M Ward, She & Him, The Decemberists); longtime collaborator, Cory Gray on keys; and the velvety, feminine vocals of Shelley Short and Alia Farah.

On Hanlon’s self-proclaimed “mature” record, we seem him again showcase his trademark, homely crafts with great skill and virtuosity. The talented wordsmith is at it again with his lyrical interplay and word games, but this time around things are a tad subtler. He still spins yarns, turning what could be the minutiae of one’s day into if not a revelation that at the very least an amusing aside you’ll want to save up for the next time you want to impress. But there’s no denying that he has toned down his cheeky side. Gone are the really strange pieces of subject matter for the more subdued folk, with perhaps even Hanlon himself realising that he’s getting a little old to be singing love songs about squash, people waving at trains and the like.
Continue reading Darren Hanlon “I Will Love You At All” – Album Review →

cd, cd review, Music, Review

John Butler Trio Launch New Video, Live EP and Tour

  On April 3rd this year, the John Butler Trio took to the stage at the Apple store Sydney to perform an exclusive up close and personal performance for their fans. At the completion of what was an incredible and intimate set the band were elated to share the news that their ‘April Uprising’ album had entered the ARIA albums chart at number one, the band’s third consecutive album to do so.

It is with great pleasure the John Butler Trio announce that outstanding in-store performance is exclusively available as a download from Apple’s iTunes Australia store from Tuesday July 27th. The John Butler Trio Live From Sydney EP features 3 tracks from the ‘April Uprising’ album including the current emotive single ‘Revolution’, the major hit single ‘One Way Road’ and live favourite ‘Johnny’s Gone’ as well as two classic crowd favourites in ‘Better Than’ taken from the ‘Grand National’ album and ‘Zebra’ from the hugely successful ‘Sunrise Over Sea’ album that broke it all wide open for the band worldwide. Continue reading John Butler Trio Launch New Video, Live EP and Tour →

Adelaide, Brisbane, cd, Concert, Melbourne, Music, news, Sydney, tour

Long Gone Whistle: The Songs of Maurice Frawley

  Great songs live forever. Whether you write ’em, sing ’em, or just love the stories they tell and the way they make you feel, make no mistake – the great ones will survive the blessed lot of us. Maurice Frawley left scores behind when he departed this world, after a short fight with cancer, in May 2009. To some folks – Paul Kelly, Charlie Owen, Tex Perkins, Tim Rogers, Mick Thomas and Don Walker for instance – plenty were already classics.

Continue reading Long Gone Whistle: The Songs of Maurice Frawley →

cd, Music, Quick Bits

The Amity Affliction – Anchors Away Tour! Aug/Sept 2010


Youngbloods – Youngbloods – The Amity Affliction		   It’s been a busy, tiring and rewarding month for Brisbane hardcore kids The Amity Affliction. Their new album Youngbloods was released on June 18 and debuted at #6 on the National Aria charts, gate-crashing the mainstream and rubbing shoulders with the likes of Eminem, Jack Johnson and Justin Bieber at the top of the pops!

Currently in the home stretch of a gruelling national tour launching Youngbloods at predominantly capital city venues across Australia, The Amity Affliction are looking to

spread the pandemonium to regional fans hungry to see the Brisbane six piece, and are proud to announce The Anchors Tour!
Continue reading The Amity Affliction – Anchors Away Tour! Aug/Sept 2010 →

cd, Concert, Melbourne, Music, Sydney, tickets, tour

CABINS announce debut headline tour – August 2010

Sydney four piece Cabins are delighted to announce their first headlining east coast Australian tour in support of their debut mini album Bright Victory. Continue reading CABINS announce debut headline tour – August 2010 →

Brisbane, cd, Melbourne, Music, Quick Bits, Sydney, tour

Dweezil Zappa “Return of the son of…” – Album Review

Review: Hannah Collins


Dweezil – Dweezil Zappa 		  Ian Donald Calvin Euclid, AKA Dweezil Zappa, paramount rock guitar legend, composer, actor and more, has released to the public a new work. A two disc composition, of the most insane “lounge” music I’ve ever heard! There’s not much in the title, yet “Dweezil Zappa, return of the son of…” is an exciting, entailing and esoteric ride from the opening riff to Dweezil’s “Thank you people good night” that outs the last entry. Unfortunately for Dweezil, the shadow cast by his Father has followed him throughout the duration of his 30+ year musical career, still keeping DZ in somewhat of a box like a tight cast actor. Return of the son of is no exception, and is more of an expansion, addition and extortion of some his fathers earlier works, than an

individuals attempt at breaking the mould. Charismatic although it is, and had me giggling my way through the first listen; all two and half hours of it! Whether listening while driving in the car or sitting or the lounge, the moment my attention waned (which others may relate to during the elongated jazz progressions linking sections of verse) I’d be hit with another installment of a completely off the wall story, that began to make some sense by the end of the piece. Continue reading Dweezil Zappa “Return of the son of…” – Album Review →

cd, cd review, Music, Review

Blue King Brown “Worldwize” Album Review

Review By Jose Eduardo Cruz

  After what has seemed like an eternity, almost four years, Blue King Brown finally drop a new album. The wait was definitely worth it because instead of one album BKB dropped two albums. Northside, a roots/reggae dancing compilation. Southside, a dub driven experience.

Recorded in the legendary Jamaican studio Tuff Gong which now houses the Bob Marley museum, this album has the genuine feel of a legitimate modern reggae album. It may have been the surroundings in which it was made or it could just be that BKB have now truly established themselves as international stars.

Continue reading Blue King Brown “Worldwize” Album Review →

cd, cd review, Music, Review

PEARL “Immaculate Little White Fox” – Album Review

Review: Hannah Collins


Little – Little Immaculate White Fox		   If you dig classic rock, and idolise the genre’s greats, you’ll find this album utterly intriguing.

Pearl Aday‘s first solo production brings with it over two decades of influence from some of rocks finest performers. She’s toured with Motley Crue, Meat Loaf, featured with Filter, hung out with Slash and jammed with Jerry Cantrell. Immaculate Little white Fox is full of grungy riffs, classic rock solos, and intricate lyricism. The shifting track listing rolls like waves and is neither stagnant nor boring. Pearls vocal ability, has been rounded and refined over the years, as she’s moved from stage hand to backup singer and finally found her place, as a stage front performer, bringing all her experience together, in her first singular application.

Continue reading PEARL “Immaculate Little White Fox” – Album Review →

cd, cd review, Music, Review

6s & 7s Announce Album Launch Tour

Following a huge album launch in hometown Perth, 6s & 7s will launch their acclaimed debut album Choose The Sentinel Blooze in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide next month.

Catch 6s & 7s on Thursday 26 August at Melt Bar in Sydney, Friday 27 August at The Workers Club in Melbourne, Saturday 28 August at Pure Pop Records in Melbourne, and Sunday 29 August at the Grace Emily Hotel in Adelaide. Continue reading 6s & 7s Announce Album Launch Tour →

Adelaide, cd, Concert, Melbourne, Music, Quick Bits, Sydney, tour

Timothy Carroll “The Deepest Dive” EP Review

Review: Victoria Nugent


Timothy – Timothy Carroll 		  After listening to The Deepest Dive, I couldn’t help but be slightly disappointed, but not because of the quality of the music. Rather, it’s a bit sad to think that this EP will be the last we hear from Timothy Carroll for a while, thanks to his impending move to Sweden.

The Deepest Dive comes a year after the release of Carroll’s debut album For Bread & Circuses and is full of laidback folk tunes, all tying into the theme of change and moving on. It’s a lush listening experience, with the EP boasting exceptionally pretty cover art to boot, taken from a set of French tarot cards.

Continue reading Timothy Carroll “The Deepest Dive” EP Review →

cd, cd review, Music, Review

Bryan Ferry Announces New Studio Album ‘Olympia’

BRYAN FERRY’S NEW STUDIO ALBUM ‘OLYMPIA’ WILL BE RELEASED ON VIRGIN RECORDS ON OCTOBER 22, PRECEDED BY THE SINGLE “YOU CAN DANCE” ON AUGUST 6.

THE ALBUM FEATURES MUSICAL CONTRIBUTIONS FROM NILE RODGERS, DAVID GILMOUR, GROOVE ARMADA, SCISSOR SISTERS, MARCUS MILLER, FLEA, MANI AND JONNY GREENWOOD. IT ALSO SEES BRYAN FERRY REUNITED ON RECORD WITH MEMBERS OF ROXY MUSIC, INCLUDING BRIAN ENO. Continue reading Bryan Ferry Announces New Studio Album ‘Olympia’ →

cd, Music, Quick Bits

Shadow Thieves CD launch ‘Space Between’ @ Hard Rock Cafe – Surfers Paradise – 27 Aug 2010

To coincide with the Shadow Thieves CD launch ‘Space Between’ @ Hard Rock Cafe, Surfers Paradise on the 27th August 2010, we have a few copies of the album up for grabs!… See below for details.

  Shadow Thieves perform a fusion of rock, indie, progressive rock, roots, funk and atmospheric music on the first wave of the socialistic digital age. The band consists of four key members; Matt Buckley, Jack Letizia, Joey Green and Cass Wilson. The project began as ‘ENACIO’ in early 2006 after performing with other local Gold Coast bands. The word soon spread, and national agency ‘The Pushworth Group‘ began to book the band shows including supports with Spiderbait, The Angels (Angel City),

Shihad, You Am I, Grinspoon and more. The band was later discovered by Blue Tongue Management, and was included in the 2009 Big Day Out, Loud Fest and Caxton Street Festivals. Continue reading Shadow Thieves CD launch ‘Space Between’ @ Hard Rock Cafe – Surfers Paradise – 27 Aug 2010 →

cd, Concert, giveaway, Music, news, Quick Bits

John 5 “The Art of Malice” CD Review

Review: Ben Hosking
While ‘The Art of Malice’ is an instrumental album; you probably don’t need to be a guitarist to know who John 5 is. John 5 has played guitar for Marilyn Manson and is the current axeman in Rob Zombie’s band. Rubbing shoulders with two of the freakiest dudes in modern rock/metal surely goes some way to explaining John 5’s compulsion to shave his eyebrows and apply the face paint.

The Art of Malice is John 5’s third solo effort and shows the country-infused chicken-pickin’ shredder continuing to expand his chops and grow as a songwriter. Where ‘Requiem’ and Songs for Sanity affirmed his place in the pantheon of interesting and intense guitar instrumentalists, ‘The Art…” will go a long way to securing his position as an equally interesting songwriter as well.
Continue reading John 5 “The Art of Malice” CD Review →

cd, cd review, Music, Review